Robinson Crusoe

Novel | Daniel Defoe

Allegorical Significance of Defoe's Novel “Robinson Crusoe.” 

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Write a note on the allegorical significance of Defoe's novel “Robinson Crusoe”. 

ht: 400;">Allegory is a type of story where the characters, events, and places represent deeper moral, spiritual, or political meanings. The outer story is simple, but the inner meaning gives a big lesson about life, faith, or society. Daniel Defoe’s (1660 -1731) Robinson Crusoe (1719) is not only a story of survival or surface incident. It also has a deeper meaning. Crusoe’s life shows the journey of the human soul. He learns to obey God and trust Him. His time on the island shows faith, sin, hard work, and learning. So, the story is more than it looks. It is an allegory of human life.

Sin and Punishment: Crusoe disobeys his father. He leaves home and goes to sea. This disobedience is like man's sin against God. Later, his ship sinks. He becomes alone on an island. This is like God’s punishment for sin. Crusoe feels regret. This part shows the fall of man and the result of sin. The island becomes a place of correction. So, it has a deep, allegorical meaning.

Repent and Pray: On the island, Crusoe becomes sick. He feels weak and helpless. He thinks he will die. He reads the Bible and prays. He reads,  

 “Call upon Me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” 

He feels sorry for his past life. He begins to believe in God. This is an allegory for spiritual awakening. Crusoe’s prayer and reading show man’s return to God. His soul starts to heal. He becomes a better man. This shows a strong religious meaning.

Faith and Peace: After praying, Crusoe feels peace in his heart. He reads the Bible every day. He lives a simple and honest life. He stops complaining and becomes thankful. His faith makes him strong and calm. He says, 

“I sincerely gave thanks to God for opening my eyes.” 

Crusoe’s change shows the spiritual journey of man. It teaches that belief in God brings peace.

Hard Work and Hope: Crusoe does not sit idle. He works hard every day. He builds a house, grows food, and makes tools. He keeps a daily record of life. His work shows the duty of man on earth. It teaches patience, honesty, and hard work. He says,

“I had now lived two years under this uneasiness.”

His hope never dies. He continues his life. It tells us to work and trust God.

Friday and Brotherhood: Crusoe saves Friday and teaches him. He teaches him English and religion. Friday becomes a Christian. They live together and help each other. Though Friday is from a different land, Crusoe treats him kindly. This is a symbol of love beyond culture.

Island as Own Land: Crusoe thinks the island belongs to him. He says, 

“I was lord of the whole manor.” 

He gives names to places like a king. He builds a home, sets rules, and controls the land. He sees no other person, but still calls it his land. This shows a strong colonial idea. This thinking is common in colonial times. Crusoe becomes the owner of the island without asking anyone. This is also another hidden picture in this novel.

In short, Robinson Crusoe is full of hidden meanings. Crusoe’s life is not only about being lost. It shows the journey from sin to faith, live to rule. It shows the soul's return to God. His hard work shows a man’s duty in life. All these give the story allegorical value. Defoe teaches us about life, faith, and hope through Crusoe’s journey.   

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